Former MP for Newcastle upon Tyne North
On the original question on employment in the northern region, is my right hon. Friend aware that very good news is coming from that region? [HON. MEMBERS: "Yes, the hon. Gentleman is going."] Is she aware that Northern Engineering this week won a £70 million contract for a power station in Singapore against the strongest world competition, including Japan, which had dominated the area for...
asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will now seek to require unused and vacant public land under one acre to be included in the vacant land registers.
Is my hon. Friend aware that the land already registered as unused and derelict totals no less than 94,000 acres, much of which is in the hands of state-run industries and local authorities? Will he do his best to release that land to create employment and also to add to local authorities' rate revenue?
Is my hon. Friend aware that there is considerable regret in the north of England about the closure of St. Mary's Roman Catholic teacher training college in Fenham, Newcastle? Is he further aware that the nearest Roman Catholic teacher training college is in Leeds? Will he bear in mind the desirability of the maintenance of teacher training colleges with a religious base?
Does my right hon. Friend appreciate that most hon. Members are fully aware that what he has told us suggests further inspired action by the Government to invest in urban areas? His statement will be well received in the conurbation of Tyneside and the city of Newcastle.
rose—
I find that point of order a little unfair but it is not for me to say so. It occupied a certain amount of what is already a short period allowed for the debate. The hon. Member for Berwick-upon-Tweed (Mr. Beith) has, as always, put a good case for his constituency interest. He is right to do so. I know the Amble and Alnwick areas. I do not, however, agree with what the hon. Gentleman had to...
I agree that the commitment has always existed. That is the point I was making to the hon. Member for Berwick-upon-Tweed. That commitment remains. The letters that I receive from Government Ministers informing me, out of courtesy, that they will be visiting Newcastle are frequent. I do not believe that the northern region has ever been neglected by Governments of either party. The hon....
